Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Little Rock is 38% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,067/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 50%
$60,583/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 26%
$221,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 79%
$1,099/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 52%
202,739
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $15,622/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Lowell — common questions

Is Little Rock or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Lowell?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Lowell?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $15,622/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Massachusetts?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Lowell details →

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